Author Archives: Yves Smith

How the Peak Oil Story Could Be “Close,” But Not Quite Right

An in-depth look at the “peak oil” thesis and how well its predictions are playing out.

Links 1/31/19

Venezuela Coup Attempt Part of US Plan to Remake Latin America

Unfortunately, US support of the attempted coup in Venezuela is just one part of planned interventions south of the border.

Controversial Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Could Be Operational By November

So much for US ire over the Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline project.

‘Foxconn Was a Major Con’: Backed by Trump Promises and $4 Billion in Subsidies, Company Admits Factory Jobs Not Coming

Foxconn fleeced Wisconsin. But this was a feature, not a bug.

Is China’s Debt Crackdown Hitting California’s Commercial Real Estate Bubble?

China gets a cold and California real estate gets pneumonia.

Links 1/30/19

Brexit: May Running Down the Clock by Backing Yet-Again-Nixed Renegotiation of Withdrawal Agreement

May is still firmly in charge of Brexit as various Parliamentary gambits go splat.

Many Countries at UN Oppose Trump Interference in Venezuela

The US plans for Venezuela don’t have the degree of foreign support that the press would have you believe.

The Silicon Curtain: The Gloves Come Off With China

An Australian perspective on the West’s growing conflict with China.

The Natural Rate of Interest Is Anything But

Central bankers pursue a “neutral” rate that doesn’t exist.

Links 1/29/19

Brexit Is Good News for Those in the Business of War

Arms merchants are lining up deals in anticipation of Brexit.

Chinese Growth: A Balancing Act

What is driving the slow-down in Chinese growth and what are the implications for Chinese policymakers and the global economy?